Is the 2006 SAAB 9-5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of SAAB 9-5s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,825 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2006 SAAB 9-5 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 SAAB 9-5?

The 2006 SAAB 9-5 has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 1,825 tests in 2026. This ranks 264 out of 575 cars from 2006.

Which year SAAB 9-5 is most reliable?

The 2012 SAAB 9-5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 71%.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 SAAB 9-5?

The average mileage for a 2006 SAAB 9-5 is 130,088 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

SAAB 9-5 (2006)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,825 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1985cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1985cc20 years old1,825 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1985cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1985cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

At 20 years old, 75% of SAAB 9-5s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,825 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 130,088 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars264th of 575(top 46%)

Rank among SAAB models39th of 73(top 53%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2006 cars average+2%(73% avg)

vs SAAB average+0%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

130,088

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 SAAB 9-5 has 130,088 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2006 sits between the two at 75%.

SAAB 9-5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	88%	50	91,077 mi
2011	85%	622	110,433 mi
2010	83%	1,096	112,776 mi
2009	79%	1,050	116,189 mi
2008	79%	1,659	122,813 mi
2007	77%	1,891	123,119 mi
2006	75%	1,825	130,088 mi
2005	74%	1,671	129,775 mi
2004	73%	1,364	131,575 mi
2003	74%	869	134,877 mi
2002	71%	828	125,369 mi
2001	77%	620	122,330 mi
2000	76%	519	127,259 mi
1999	79%	601	126,506 mi
1998	73%	322	118,343 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FOCUS

2008 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

-2%

BMW 3 SERIES

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+5%

MINI MINI

2008 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

74%

-1%

RENAULT CLIO

2007 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-7%

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About the 2006 SAAB 9-5

The 2006 SAAB 9-5 is a family car with a 1985cc petrol engine. 1,825 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 130,088 miles at 20 years old, SAAB 9-5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 SAAB 9-5 Fuel Costs

The 1985cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2006 SAAB 9-5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SAAB 9-5 Reliability Trend

Newer SAAB 9-5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2006 SAAB 9-5

At 20 years old, the SAAB 9-5 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 SAAB 9-5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 20 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 130k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2006 SAAB 9-5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SAAB 9-5(2006)	75%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FOCUS(2008)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
BMW 3 SERIES(2007)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
MINI MINI(2008)	74%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
RENAULT CLIO(2007)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217+£20

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.